Are SLO County kids kicking in doors? Sheriff’s Office warns of social media trend

A recent spate of damage to homes in Templeton may be linked to a new social media challenge, according to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.

In a post on Facebook on Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office said multiple properties were damaged last weekend as part of the “Door Kick Challenge” circulating on social media. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the trend calls for kids and teens to kick in garage or front doors before running away from the scene.

In the post, the Sheriff’s Office advised parents to speak to their children about the consequences associated with the challenge, which the agency outlined as “property damage and can result in criminal charges.”

The Sheriff’s Office added the Door Kick Challenge also puts residents at risk, because they may get startled or even think someone is attempting to break into their home.

“What may seem like a joke online can lead to lasting consequences in real life,” the post read.